One thing that’s guaranteed when you book a Siesta Key Fishing Charter: you WILL catch fish.
But if you’re not a local, you may not have the setup to cook it yourself. Or, since you’re on vacation, you may just prefer someone else to handle the work—who wants to cook when you could be relaxing?
The great news is that there are plenty of resources for a delicious restaurant meal that features your own freshly caught fish.
Before You Go: A Quick “You Catch, We Cook” Guide
- Filleting is Key: Some restaurants require your fish to be filleted; others offer that service for a fee. Virtually all fishing charters include filleting and descaling as part of their package, so we highly recommend taking advantage of that.
- Keep it Cold: Be sure to bring a cooler with you on your fishing expedition to keep the fish fully chilled until it’s ready to be delivered to the kitchen. Quality is everything!
- Call Ahead: Always call the restaurant in advance to confirm their specific guidelines (and pricing). At the very least, the kitchen will appreciate the heads-up! They will also work with you to decide how best to prepare your catch and which sides will best complement it.
Prices for this service vary, so confirm all details specific to your preferences when you call.
Hook to Table Restaurants on Siesta Key
| Restaurant Name | Location & Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Water Fish Market | 6641 Midnight Pass Rd. (941) 554-8101 | Their motto is “Our Fish is Delish.” Thousands of reviewers agree! |
| Clayton’s Siesta Grille | 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd. (941) 349-2800 | A locally owned Key favorite. Open for dinner only. |
| Daiquiri Deck | Village: 5250 Ocean Blvd. (941) 349-8697Stickney Pt: 1250 Stickney Point Rd. (941) 312-2422 | A local chain. Affordable, with a great selection of cocktails. Family-friendly. |
| Spearfish Grille | 1265 Old Stickney Point Road (941) 349-1971 | A hidden gem located in the Safe Harbor Marina. Great food and live music every day. |
Hook to Table Restaurants Off the Key
| Restaurant Name | Location & Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Eddie’s Seafood | 107 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL (941) 484-4372 | Their “You Hook It, They Cook It” service is legendary. Call in advance for reservations and instructions. |
| Marina Jack’s | 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL (941) 365-4232 | A large, full-service marina with a spectacular waterfront dining room. |
| Walt’s Fish Market | 4144 So. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941) 921-4605 | Their motto: “The fish we sell today, slept in the gulf last night.” One of the most popular restaurants in the area. |
| The Waterfront | 111 South Bay Blvd. Anna Maria Island, FL (941) 778-1515 | One of the most beautiful dining spots around, with tables literally in the sand. Their “You Catch, We Cook” service is legendary. |
Do you know of other restaurants that will cook your fresh catch? Let us know in the comments!
